Friends of Nick Alexander urge Manchester to 'stand united'

Friends of Paris terror attack victim Nick Alexander have urged the people of Manchester to "stand united".

Mr Alexander, from Colchester, was 35 when he was among the 89 people murdered while watching a rock concert at the Bataclan theatre in Paris in 2015.

Following last night's attack at the Manchester Arena, when 22 people were killed at the end of an Ariana Grande show, his friends have spoken out.

The Nick Alexander Memorial Trust was set up to continue the merchandise seller's love of music and ensure it continues to contribute positively to people's lives.

It released the following statement:

Meanwhile Anthony Roberts, director of the Colchester Arts Centre where Mr Alexander spent much of his time in Essex, said it was difficult to imagine how an attack would affect the community in Manchester.